Ambrisentán (Letairis): Usos, funcionamiento y efectos secundarios

Ambrisentan (Letairis) is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults. Learn about its mechanism of action, side effects, precautions, and cost.  

Ambrisentan (Letairis) Introduction and Uses

Ambrisentan (brand name: Letairis) is an oral prescription medication. It is FDA-approved to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). 

PAH is a condition in which narrowing of or damage to blood vessels in the lungs causes high blood pressure. Initially, you may experience no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, you will likely experience:

• Shortness of breath, especially when exercising
• Fatiga
• Mareo
• Swelling of the feet
• Dolor en el pecho 

Ambrisentan (Letairis) may be used in adults with PAH to help:

• Improve their ability to exercise
• Prevent their symptoms and physical condition from getting worse

Ambrisentan may also be used with tadalafil (Adcirca) to:

• Lower the risk of disease progression
• Lower the risk of hospitalization due to worsening PAH
• Improve the ability to exercise

Mecanismo de acción

Ambrisentan (Letairis) belongs to a drug class known as endothelin receptor antagonists. It blocks endothelin type A (ETA) receptors, helping relax and widen blood vessels in the lungs. 

Endothelin is a protein that constricts blood vessels. In people with PAH, too much endothelin can interfere with blood flow through the lungs, leading to high blood pressure in the lungs. 

Important Ambrisentan (Letairis) Information and Warnings

This medication can cause serious birth defects if used during pregnancy. You should not use ambrisentan if you are pregnant. If you can become pregnant, your healthcare provider will check for pregnancy before treatment begins and advise you about pregnancy testing during treatment. 

If you can become pregnant, you must use effective birth control during treatment and for at least one month after stopping ambrisentan. Depending on the method, you may need to use two forms of birth control. Ask your healthcare provider which methods are appropriate for you. 

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you miss your period or think pregnancy might have occurred. 

No tome este medicamento si:

• ¿Está embarazada o planea quedar embarazada? 
• Have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs due to no obvious cause)

Ambrisentan may also cause fluid retention and decreased hemoglobin levels, which can lead to anemia. Your healthcare provider may monitor your hemoglobin levels during treatment. Report unusual swelling, rapid weight gain, or worsening shortness of breath promptly. 

Before Taking Ambrisentan (Letairis)

Before you receive your first dose of ambrisentan, inform your healthcare provider if you:

• Are allergic to Letairis or any product component 
• Are taking another medicine called ciclosporina (Sandimmune)
• Have or ever had anemia 
• Have liver disease or a history of liver problems 
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed (breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment) 

Dosificación

Ambrisentan (Letairis) comes as an oral tablet in two strengths: 

• 5 mg (square, convex, pale pink tablets)
• 10 mg (oval, convex, deep pink tablets)

For adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension, the usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily, with or without tadalafil 20 mg once daily. At 4-week intervals, your healthcare provider may increase the dose of Letairis or tadalafil to 10 mg or 40 mg, respectively. 

Uso y almacenamiento adecuados

• Take your doses exactly as directed. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. 
• Swallow the tablet whole.
• Avoid splitting, crushing, or chewing ambrisentan tablets.
• Puede tomar este medicamento con o sin alimentos. 
• Take your doses at around the same time each day. 
• If you take a higher dose, call your healthcare provider or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. 
• If you miss a dose, take the missed dose immediately after you remember on the same day. Follow the usual dosing schedule for your next dose. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate for the missed one. 
• Store in the original container at temperatures between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Temporary storage at temperatures between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F) is permitted. 
• Keep ambrisentan tablets away from moisture and heat.
• Mantenga todos sus medicamentos fuera del alcance de los niños. 

Efectos secundarios

Reacciones alérgicas

Seek emergency medical attention if you have the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction:

• Urticaria
• Dificultad para respirar
• Hinchazón de la cara, labios, lengua o garganta.

Efectos secundarios graves

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms. Seek emergency medical attention for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up pink, foamy mucus. 

• Severe shortness of breath
• sibilancias
• Cough with foamy mucus
• Dolor en el pecho
• Hinchazón
• cansancio inusual
• aumento rápido de peso
• Náuseas
• Vómitos
• Pain in the upper right stomach area
• Coloración amarillenta de la piel o los ojos
• Síntomas parecidos a los de la gripe
• Picor
• orina de color oscuro
• Pérdida de apetito
• Sensación de mareo
• Mareo
• Cold hands and feet
• Fiebre

Efectos secundarios comunes

• Swelling in the hands, legs, ankles, or feet
• Congestión nasal
• Dolor de senos paranasales
• sofocos
• Redness in the face

Tell your healthcare provider if any of these signs and symptoms persist or worsen. 

Decreased Sperm Count

Some men taking medications similar to ambrisentan have experienced lower-than-normal sperm counts. A lower sperm count can affect your ability to father a child. If this concerns you, talk to your healthcare provider about the potential risks. 

Ambrisentan vs Bosentan

Both drugs belong to the same class of medications: endothelin receptor antagonists. 

According to a 2022 meta-analysis, ambrisentan and bosentan have similar efficacy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the authors of the review found that ambrisentan caused fewer liver problems than bosentan [1].

Ambrisentan (Letairis) Cost

Ambrisentan is available as both a generic medication and the brand-name drug Letairis. Generic ambrisentan may be less expensive than the brand-name version. 

The cost can vary depending on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy. Ask your insurance provider if your plan covers this medication or if you need prior authorization. 

Gilead Sciences, Inc., the manufacturer of Letairis, offers support through its Letairis Co-Pay Coupon Program. Contact AmeriPharma Specialty Care to learn more about available financial assistance and copay assistance for ambrisentan.